Christmas in Zurich

Christmas comes but once a year, and in 2007, it came in an especially pleasant way. Elena's parents and sister all arrived about a week before Christmas and helped us celebrate a holiday to remember. Here's a barrage of some of my favorite images from the holiday.

The first shots are taken on one of our favorite hikes -- the Utliberg Hike. The day was stunning - at the elevation of the hike, there was a layer of clouds that made the hills and surrounding mountains seem magical, ephemeral. Elena's Mom and I both missed this as we had a bout of rotovirus that kept us close to the bed and bathroom for several days (that's one way to keep the holiday pounds off!).

There was still plenty of shopping to do after everyone arrived. Luckily, the 3 Sundays before Christmas are the ONLY Sundays of the year that stores are open in Switzerland. Here's a shot inside a scrumptuously decorated specialty shop on Bahnhopft Strasse near the main train station.







Christmas morning met all the boys' expectations. Santa even left a note of confirmation that he could find the boys all the way in Zurich. Writing this letter must of made Santa hungry, as all four cookies left for Santa (we thought 4 would be a safe margin) were no where to be found on Christmas morning.

We were also fortunate to have a truly white Christmas as the trees behind Elena's sister Maria show in this picture.

















All of us not stricken by the bug took a hearty walk on Christmas day to the wood near our house. Here the boys and Elena's father explore the nearby trails.


We also got a few shots of the boys enjoying a few of their presents, including matching West Virginia hats with their names on them and some cool flexible colored styrofoam tubes that can be used to create all sorts of fun things (below).









In the picture Elena's dad and Isaac are creating a funny man (note to Maria - does he look like your imaginary friend from your childhood?).

Below: Elena's Mom and Elliot revive their "queen and knight" game using rolls of Christmas wrapping paper as their swords.









My parents also sent the boys all the Harry Potter books they haven't read. We quickly dived into the Goblet of Fire, with Elena's sister Maria reading one chapter aloud to the boys.

Before Christmas Elliot's kindergarten class had a very warm and wonderful holiday play. Elliot had a special role - he played the Queen's horse and had to carry the queen everywhere she went during the play. The 45 minute play with singing and dancing was followed by some delicious holiday treats provided by all the parents in the class.






I also got a shot of Elliot asleep in his bed. As a nightlight, Elliot has decided to use a string of Christmas lights so he'll never miss a minute of the anticipation and remembrance of this really great Christmas. We can only imagine the incredible dreams of a four year old around this time of year.








Elena got this cool shot of Isaac and Maria as we wound up our shopping one night. The lights displayed around the central part of Zurich are dazzling.
















After a heavy day of shopping we settled into a favorite restaurant that used to be the city armory (back in the late 1400's) and had a hearty meal of Swiss favorites. Many thanks to Maria, Gertraud and Carl for making the big trip, especial for Carl, as he was recovering from shoulder surgery related to a roller blading accident. We'll not soon forget this magical Christmas season in Switzerland.